THE Australian Antarctic Division is experiencing a need for double redundancy, after a ship chartered to replace its broken down icebreaker has also had to return to port after experiencing mechanical issues. The organisation’s $528 million Nuyina entered service a year ago, replacing the 30-year-old Aurora Australis, which is now...
THE Australian Antarctic Division is experiencing a need for double redundancy, after a ship chartered to replace its broken down icebreaker has also had to return to port after experiencing mechanical issues.
The organisation’s $528 million Nuyina entered service a year ago, replacing the 30-year-old Aurora Australis, which is now decommissioned.
The new ship is used to ferry scientists and supplies to the Casey, Davis and Mawson stations to conduct research on the white continent.
However the Nuyina has developed some issues with hydraulic leaks, leading the Division to charter another ship, the Happy Diamond, to conduct a cargo mission.
Unfortunately that ship also broke down and was forced to limp back to Hobart last week, according to an ABC report.
After electrical repairs the Happy Diamond is expected to be able to visit Antarctica over the next couple of months, with the Division issuing a statement confirming it’s not fazed by the breakdowns, as is its resiliency.
“The Australian Antarctic Division is highly experienced in implementing contingency plans and adapting to the challenges posed by operating in the Antarctic environment,” the organisation said.
